Research Project
| Module title | Research Project |
|---|---|
| Module code | HPDM099 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Professor Martin Pitt (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 16 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
The aim of this module will be to apply your data science skills developed in the first two terms of the MSc course to a real-life application in health. A range of project specifications will be developed drawing from the wide network of collaborating partner organisations in both commercial and health service sectors as well as internal research oriented projects based at the university. These partner organisations include National Health Service organisations, as well as pharmaceutical companies and health data companies. From the selection of project options you will be asked to choose your preferred projects so that the work can be matched as closely as possible to your interests and needs. A liaison day in the autumn term will allow you to meet prospective project partners in advance of listing your preferences and final choices being assigned before the end of the autumn term. Oversight and supervision of project work will be provided on an on-going basis from both academic and workplace supervisors. The module will be assessed via performance during the project, a final report and poster/presentation at the end of the project.
Module aims - intentions of the module
You will learn how to apply the skills learned from the preceding modules of the course to real life areas of interest in health data science. To bring together and integrate the different elements and skills against specified objectives within a project framework. You will experience what it means to work to address specific and focused objectives and to manage a project against a defined timeline typically in a collaborative team based environment. You will develop the skills necessary to liaise with colleagues and clearly communicate the outputs on your work.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. To appraise the needs of the project situation and demonstrate the acquisition and application of new knowledge through practical skills in response to these needs.
- 2. Design, develop and implement solutions using data science techniques relevant to the service context.
- 3. To use the full range of data science skills to effectively develop approaches at each stage in the project in response to assessed need.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. To appraise and apply learned academic skills from the MSc course in a practical workplace context showing an ability to interpret how these skills can be adapted to specific contexts.
- 5. Write a concise and coherent project report addressing the immediate and wider implications of the work.
- 6. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the limitations and constraints of applying data science methods in the real world context.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Develop a clear project plan and manage outputs according to a specified timeline (including maintaining a log of work and reporting to supervisors)
- 8. Identify the compromises and trade-offs inherent in translating theory into practice.
- 9. Identify the compromises and trade-offs inherent in translating theory into practice.
- 10. Demonstrate expertise in the presentation and reporting of outputs to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Syllabus plan
The content of the module will be determined by the characteristics of the specific project undertaken by each student. Elements of project organisation and structure are given below:
Project sourcing: A range of project specifications will be developed drawing on the network of partner organisations as well as internal researchers within the university. These will be presented to students during a structure liaison day to assist informed choices of project selection. During this liaison day you will also find out about career opportunities with providers and winder opportunities in the NHS and other industries such as insurance and pharmaceuticals.
Project Selection: Information and presentations will be provided to inform students of the available choices for their research project.Each student will then be required to provide a prioritised list which outlines preferences for their project choices. Assistance will be provide by the module convenor and supervisors. All efforts will be made to accommodate the preferences of students and partners although the decision of the module convenor will be final.
Project Supervision: Each student will be supervised and required to report to both an academic and workplace supervisor. Moderation and oversight of the project will be provided by the module convenor. Templates will be provided to support each student in the provision of a weekly activity log as well as a mid-term report to assist the process of supervision and assessment.
Assessment: As outlined below assessment will be through a combination of project performance and final report and presentation of the project output and its implications.
COVID related changes. Because this is a research project that will take place in 2021, we anticipate few changes. The only major change is likely to be that more time is spent working from home, if project providers have a working model that involves more home working.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 560 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 40 | Project supervision |
| Guided Independent Study | 560 | Individually assessed work |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary project plan (a maximum of 4 pages) presented in early stages of project |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Performance (Mid-point report written by student which incorporates a Project Log as an appendix) | 40 | 1600 words plus references & appendices. | 1-4, 6-8 | Workplace and Academic supervisors feedback (provided via standardised forms). |
| Project Report | 40 | 3500 words | 1-10 | Written |
| Project Poster/Presentation | 20 | A0 poster and/or slide presentation | 1-10 | Oral and written |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Performance (40%) | A1600 word report (plus references) which incorporates a Project Log as an appendix | 1-4, 6-8 | Summer reassessment period with an August deadline |
| Project Report (40%) | 3500 word report | 1-10 | Summer reassessment period with an August deadline |
| Project Poster/Presentation (20%) | Slide presentation summarising the project | 1-10 | Summer reassessment period with an August deadline |
Re-assessment notes
Please refer to the TQA section on Referral/Deferral: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/academic-policy-standards/tqa-manual/aph/consequenceoffailure/.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 22/01/2020 |
| Last revision date | 28/07/2020 |
